The Saskatchewan Health Authority is limiting family presence/visitation to compassionate reasons only in all Saskatoon SHA facilities and care homes as of eight o’clock Wednesday morning. These restrictions will be reassessed by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday November 3rd.

The SHA is concerned about escalating COVID-19 activity in Saskatoon. It is urging Saskatchewan residents to follow public health measures and personal safety precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

The authority says the decision to restrict family presence is not taken lightly.

Compassionate care reasons may include, but are not limited to, family or support persons during end-of-life care, major surgery, intensive care/critical care, maternal/pediatrics, long-term care residents whose quality of life or care needs are unmet or those inpatients and outpatients with specific challenges.

No other visitors are allowed into the specified facilities or homes at this time and these limitations will remain in place until it is safe to return to the previous level of family presence.

Family members and support people who are permitted must undergo a health screening prior to entering the facility or home. This includes a temperature check and questionnaire. The family member or support person will be required to perform hand hygiene (hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the facility or home and when entering and leaving the patient’s or resident’s room. Family members and support people will be required to wear a medical grade mask while inside the facility or home and potentially additional personal protective equipment if required. Family members and support people are not permitted to wait in waiting rooms or other common areas.

Detailed information about family presence during COVID-19 can be found here.